Sensor Spatial Distortion, Visual Latency, and Update Rate Effects on 3D Tracking in Virtual Environments

We examined the effects on human 3D tracking performance of several common defects of immersing virtual environments: spatial sensor distortion, visual latency and low update rates. Results show: 1) Removal of relatively small static distortion had minor effects on tracking accuracy, 2) An Adapted Cooper-Harper controllability scale proved the most sensitive subjective indicator of simulation degradation, and 3) RMS tracking error and subjective impressions were more influenced by changing visual latency than by update rate.